2025 Rankings: Lockdown DBs Highlight Rankings

On the back end, the 2025 class is loaded at defensive back. There are guys who have a ton of interceptions because teams keep testing them, and guys who don't because teams have already learned not to bother. There are players who seem to crave contact and making a big run stop, and others who make knocking away passes look effortless. Here's a deeper look at some of the players in the 2025 rankings at DB.    BREAKING DOWN THE TOP FIVE   [player_tooltip player_id='272699' first='Da'Marion' last='Coe'] Hartsville   Coe's the real deal. His junior year pass defense stats don't jump of the page at you, and that's exactly what you'd expect from a player of his caliber, because opposing offenses don't often bother to even attempt to throw it his way. Two picks and two pass deflections were backed up by more than 60 tackles. As good as he is in coverage, Coe is equally dangerous in run support where he's a sure, physical tackler.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249733' first='Onis' last='Konanbanny'] Heathwood Hall   Konanbanny is another guy whose stats don't jump out at you, but his film surely does. He's physical at the line, he has great instincts, and he closes on the ball really well. He's also a physical tackler, and plays fantastic in coverage. When you're picturing a lock-down DB, he's your guy.   [player_tooltip player_id='390438' first='Ramani' last='Bruton'] Greenville   Speaking of lock-down guys, then there's Bruton. He's one of the centerpieces of an extremely stingy defensive backfield. The Red Raiders' DL tended to wreak havoc last year, and Bruton and his backfield mates were more than capable of capitalizing on the chaos. Bruton had five interceptions and knocked down three passes last season, to go with 27 tackles and a tackle for loss. He's capable of taking away his side of the field, or taking away your best guy, or sometimes both.   [player_tooltip player_id='346193' first='Zeke' last='Marshall'] Westside   Marshall (pictured) is an athletic freak. He's long, he covers a ton of ground, he's physical, and he make plays all over the field. He made 85 tackles, grabbed NINE interceptions, knocked down six passes, and blocked a punt. He's explosive, and as dangerous on offense as he is on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='276660' first='Christian' last='Henderson'] Greenville   Henderson is a force both in coverage and against the run. He had 32 tackles last year, picking off two passes and knocking down eight. He makes quick decisions, diagnoses plays well, and nearly always seems to be in the right place.    TEN RISING STARS   [player_tooltip player_id='1249747' first='Zach' last='Rogers'] Lewisville   Rogers had 38 tackles and a pair of interceptions a year ago, with five tackles for loss. He helped lead a Lions defense that allowed just 44 points all year.   [player_tooltip player_id='809752' first='Grayson' last='Freeling'] Oceanside Collegiate   If you've got to have a completion, Freeling's side of the field isn't the place. He gave up exactly zero last season, and made 85 tackles.   [player_tooltip player_id='605526' first='Tyler' last='Morgan'] Wren   Morgan had played all over the place for the Hurricanes, but he's found a home at DB. He had 56 tackles, picked off a pass, and knocked down three more.   [player_tooltip player_id='986041' first='Tremaine' last='Davis'] Daniel   The Lions' defense is elite at every level, and Davis anchors the back end. He had 45 tackles and picked off six passes a year ago.   [player_tooltip player_id='1249802' first='Damarcus' last='Leach'] Abbeville   Leach is an outstanding player on the offensive side of the ball as well, and uses those skills at an amazing level on defense. His instincts are off the charts, and he's an extremely physical player.   [player_tooltip player_id='464898' first='Jonas' last='Mckeen'] Cane Bay   McKeen is another quick, physical guy who uses his tall frame to cover a bunch of ground and close on the ball well. He also plays extremely well in run support.   [player_tooltip player_id='867240' first='Silas' last='Parish'] Walhalla   Parish had a phenomenal junior year, with 162 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, an interception, a sack, five forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He does a bunch for the Razorbacks, but nowhere more than on the defensive side of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1253999' first='Shamon' last='Black'] Chapman   Black has had an amazing off-season, winning two measurables events and a position event at the Spartanburg segment of the Carolinas Coaches Combine. He's Chapman's best cover guy, and an absolute ball-hawk.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254044' first='Kolten' last='Kellerman'] Philip Simmons   Kellerman made 48 tackles and knocked down four balls last season. He's a fantastic open-field tackler, and has plenty of speed to chase down plays from behind.   [player_tooltip player_id='1149045' first='Charles' last='McCray'] Carolina Forest   McCray has good ability to change direction, and great speed. He shines in coverage, and is aggressive enough to be a force in run defense.    FIVE DARK HORSE CANDIDATES   [player_tooltip player_id='1158009' first='Jonathan' last='Goswick'] Socastee   Goswick grabbed four interceptions last year, and with the loss of several senior DBs, could be an even bigger factor for the Braves.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254042' first='Tyquawn' last='Murphy'] Lugoff-Elgin   Murphy had 44 tackles, four tackles for loss, two picks, and six pass deflections in 2023. He comes into his senior year with a huge upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254166' first='Rakwon' last='Stradford'] Rock Hill   Stradford is the kind of DB who can shine in new head coach Randy Birch's gambling, physical, pressure-heavy defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254211' first='Kai' last='Morrison'] St. James   Morrison has kind of emerged from nowhere, with just a year of organized football under his belt. Still, he's got good size, great speed, and is expected to be a heavy contributor for the Sharks.   [player_tooltip player_id='1254204' first='Mehki' last='Hentz'] Wade Hampton   Hentz is another guy who will adapt to a new coach and a new system, but 40 tackles, a pick, and five break-ups is certainly something that can easily translate.    Whether it's fast, lockdown coverage guys, players who will stick their head in and hit you, or a little bi of both, the 2025 class is absolutely loaded at DB. It's going to be fun seeing how this group progresses over the course of the season.

On the back end, the 2025 class is loaded at defensive back. There are guys who have a ton of interceptions because teams keep testing them, and guys who don't because teams have already learned not to bother. There are players who seem to crave contact and making a big run stop, and others who make knocking away passes look effortless. Here's a deeper look at some of the players in the 2025 rankings at DB.